Which? rates 69 winter tyres

Consumer advice magazine Which? has completed an extensive winter tyre test in the Alps, taking into account six sizes. Each tyre was given a percentage score and ranked accordingly in its size division. In addition, the magazine presented a star rating out of five in each category it tested, namely: dry braking, dry handling, wet braking, wet handling, braking on snow, traction on snow, cornering on snow, braking on ice, cornering on ice, fuel economy, noise and wear. The full list of Which? magazine’s “best buys” – and the winter tyres it suggests its readers to avoid – is presented below.

Tyres from manufacturers Michelin, Continental, Dunlop, Vredestein, Fulda and Semperit were awarded “best buy” status. Which? also gives tyres performing particularly badly a “don’t buy” rating; the ignominious badge was given to the Falken Eurowinter HS439, the Marangoni 4 Winter, Sava’s Eskimo S3, the Star Performer Winter and the Kenda Polar Trax KR19.

Which? Magazine’s “best buy” winter tyres

175/65 R14T
•    Continental WinterContact TS800
•    Michelin Alpin A4
•    Dunlop SP Winter Response

185/60 R14H
•    Vredestein Snowtrac 3
•    Fulda Montero 3
•    Continental WinterContact TS 800
•    Bridgestone Blizzak LM 30

185/65 R15T
•    Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D MO
•    Fulda Kristall Montero 3

195/65 R15T
•    Continental WinterContact TS830
•    Goodyear UltraGrip 8
•    Semperit Speed-Grip 2

205/55 R16H
•    Continental WinterContact TS 830
•    Goodyear UltraGrip 7+
•    Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3

225/45 R17H
•    Michelin Alpin A4
•    Continental WinterContact TS830P